Keeping Your Little One Cosy: A Guide to Safe and Warm Sleep in the Colder Months
As the colder months approach, many new parents face the challenge of keeping their little ones safe, warm, and snug during chilly nights. Babies, especially in winter, can struggle to regulate their body temperature, making them more susceptible to discomfort and illnesses such as coughs, colds, and flu.
This brief guide provides practical advice to help your baby maintain a comfortable body temperature while sleeping, ensuring they stay safe and cosy throughout the colder nights.
Choosing the Right Clothing
As temperatures drop, the key to keeping your little one warm is dressing them in several light layers of clothing. Avoid heavy, thick fabrics that can cause overheating, such as bulky wool. Instead, opt for breathable, natural fabrics like soft cotton or lightweight wool. A good rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing.
When dressing for bed, consider easy-to-remove layers to simplify late-night nappy changes. It's important to avoid overheating, so regularly check if your baby feels warm but not too hot, particularly on the back of their neck or chest.
Set the Nursery Temperature
To ensure a comfortable sleeping environment, aim to keep your baby’s room at a temperature between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius, with 18°C being ideal. Use a room thermometer to regularly monitor the temperature and ensure it remains safe.
Keeping the room at this recommended temperature reduces the risk of overheating, which is a known risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Use a Baby Sleeping Bag
On colder nights, a baby sleeping bag (also known as a grow bag) is a safer and more practical alternative to blankets. Baby sleeping bags come in different tog ratings, which measure their warmth. For winter, choose a higher tog rating, such as 2.5, for rooms between 16°C and 20°C. Always follow the tog rating guidelines to ensure your baby stays warm without overheating.
Swaddling can be helpful for newborns, but once babies start showing signs of rolling over, it's important to stop swaddling to prevent any risk of restricted movement or suffocation.
Position the Cot Safely
Where you place your baby’s cot in the nursery can have a big impact on their comfort. Keep the cot away from cold air vents, windows, and exterior walls to avoid chilly drafts. Also, make sure the room is well-ventilated but free from any direct airflow that could disturb their sleep.
Use a Firm Mattress
Ensure your baby’s crib or cot is equipped with a firm, flat mattress that provides safe support. Our range of Tiny Dreamer mattresses is designed with firmness and comfort in mind, helping to regulate temperature without compromising on safety. Remember that a firm mattress is a crucial element in reducing the risk of SIDS.
Keeping Little Hands and Feet Warm
While it’s important to keep your baby warm, avoid covering their head during sleep. Babies regulate a lot of their body heat through their heads, and covering them can lead to overheating. In line with advice from The Lullaby Trust and NHS, babies should sleep without hats indoors.
If your baby is not wearing an all-in-one sleep suit, consider using soft socks to keep their feet warm. You can also use lightweight mittens for newborns to keep their tiny hands warm and prevent them from scratching themselves.
Seek Professional Advice When Needed
If you're unsure whether your baby is sleeping at the right temperature or have any concerns about their comfort, we recommend reaching out to your local midwife or health visitor for advice. These healthcare professionals are there to support you and provide guidance on how to create the safest sleeping environment for your little one.
By following these recommendations, you can help ensure your baby stays safe, comfortable, and cosy during the colder months, giving both you and your little one a more restful night’s sleep.
